Extract from Thomas Jefferson to George Logan

WashingtonMay 11. 05.

I recieved last night a letter from mr Thomas Brannagan ... the cause in which he embarks is so holy, the
sentiments he expresses in his letter so friendly that it is highly painful to me
to hesitate on a compliance which appears so small. but that is not it’s true character,
and it would be injurious, even to his views, for me to commit myself on paper by
answering his letter. I have most carefully avoided every public act or manifestation
on that subject. should an occasion ever occur in which I can interpose with decisive
effect, I shall certainly know & do my duty with promptitude and zeal. but in the
mean time it would only be disarming myself of influence to be taking small means. the
subscription to a book on this subject is one of those little irritating measures
which, without advancing it's end at all, would, by lessening the confidence & good
will of a description of friends composing a large body, only lessen my powers of
doing them good in the other great relations in which I stand to the publick. yet
I cannot be easy in not answering mr Brannagan's letter unless he can be made sensible
that it is better I should not answer it; & I do not know how to effect this, unless
you would have the goodness, the first time you go to Philadelphia, to see him and
to enter into an explanation with him.